Karol G took her rhythm and voice to the monumental St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican this Saturday, September 13, in an unusual concert with other artists for human fraternity, which illuminated the Roman sky with drones that took the form of works of art of Christianity and even the late Pope Francis.
The artist, together with stars such as Andrea Bocelli, Pharrell Williams or John Legend, was the most outstanding figure of this event that closes the third edition of the World Meeting on Human Fraternity, held in Rome since the day before.
Karol G conquers the Vatican
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The recital took place against the backdrop of the imposing St. Peter’s Basilica in front of thousands of people who packed the Vatican square.
This while a drone show illuminated the sky with shapes like the hands of God and Adam in Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel or the smiling face of Francis.
Thus, this place, the epicenter of Catholicism, became an extraordinary open-air stage, filled with music of all kinds, from pop, rap, sacred themes, gospel and even some Latin rhythms by the ‘Bichota’.
Karol G and Bocelli
Karol G, who according to sources from her entourage lived with enthusiasm her exhibition at the Vatican, appeared before the public dressed in an elegant black dress with rhinestones and started with her song ‘Mientras me curo del cora’, from her album ‘Mañana será bonito’ (2023).
But later the Colombian returned to the stage to emote with tenor Andrea Bocelli with the classic ‘Vivo por ella’.
Among the audience, it was possible to perceive the signs of affection towards her.
Flags, T-shirts and symbols not only from his country, but also from different parts of Latin America… as many had come to see the Colombian star.
“It’s a nice event, but we really came to see Karol G,” Peruvian Liz told EFE, celebrating that the singer is participating “in representation of Latin America”.
Many others came to listen to Bocelli, who was in charge not only of opening the concert with his ‘Ave Maria’, appropriate for a sacred place, but also of organizing it, with the collaboration of platforms such as ‘Disney+’ and ‘Hulu’, which broadcasted it.
“We’re coming for him,” promises Colombian Jair, wrapped in flags, while admitting that his son, 18, preferred Karol G.
Gospel, rap and demands
Another of the guests of honor at this macro-concert was the American Pharrell Williams, who with his famous ‘Happy’ got the crowd dancing and clapping, as the lyrics themselves proclaim, because “happiness is the truth,” he told the audience.
Earlier, the artist had urged attendees to turn on their cell phone flashlights, illuminating the entire square, and stated that it was “an opportunity to unite,” as he feels that not enough is being “done” in today’s world.
Williams also introduced John Legend, whom he described as a “legend” and who was enthusiastic as he sang ‘Glory’ and ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ at the piano.
Among others, the participation of the Beninese Angélique Kidjo, who brought to the Vatican square the tropical rhythms of ‘La vida es un carnaval’, by the Cuban legend Celia Cruz, stood out.
Or Jennifer Hudson, who sang ‘The prayer’ with Bocelli.
After his performance, the thousands in the square rose to their feet to celebrate – in advance – the birthday of Pope Leo XIV, who turned 70 on September 14.
However, as planned, and disappointing the expectations of many who had hoped to see him, the U.S. pontiff did not attend the concert.
On his behalf, it was opened by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of the Vatican Basilica, who at the foot of the church reiterated his “no to war” and his “yes to peace and fraternity”, the – at least moral – reason for this already memorable concert in the Vatican square.
Because it was not all music and dance, but among Bernini’s colonnade resounded the voices of Indian activist Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Peace Prize 2014, or the Mozambican Graça Machel, widow of Nelson Mandela.
“Silence in the face of injustice will never lead to peace and peace demands action,” Satyarthi warned.
Machel, for his part, recalled conflict scenarios such as Palestine, Sudan, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Mozambique.
Debemos comprometernos en dar una paz justa a todos los lugares donde la violencia nos ha despojado de nuestra humanidad y, en este encuentro mundial por la fraternidad humana, afirmamos con una sola voz que la justicia debe ser el último guardián de la reconciliación
Graça Machel, viuda de Nelson Mandela
